Politics

Politics

How does the UK political system work? Does it work!? How could it be improved? What are the ‘big ideas’ of politics – from conservatism to anarchism, and from liberalism to communism?

What this department can offer you!

These subjects offer new ways to see, think about, and understand the world. How did our world come to be the way it is? How is the country run, and how should it be run? Can we actually know anything about the world!? How can we test the claims and arguments made by other people?

Whether studying an ancient Roman document, or the very latest developments in Politics, our students become highly skilled in analysing information and making connections. In presenting a case for a particular understanding of a historical period, or a particular ethical position in Philosophy, our students learn to argue intelligently, in essays and in discussion. We help students to ask excellent questions, from Philosophical enquiries into what exists, to which sources to trust most in History.

Politics

Course Summary

How does the UK political system work? Does it work!? How could it be improved? What are the ‘big ideas’ of politics – from conservatism to anarchism, and from liberalism to communism? Is Trump really as powerful as he tends to suggest? How did the road to Brexit begin, and what’s next? Politics is a highly topical and relevant course, in which you will discover where you stand on a wide range of very important issues. Our students highly value the in-house booklets we provide and very much enjoy the political simulation opportunities we create, allowing students to experience the political world first-hand, such as a mock Parliament.

Progression Skills and Opportunities

Politics is a very well-regarded A Level. The analytical skills required to successfully complete the Politics course will prepare you well for a broad range of university courses across the social sciences, arts and humanities. Degrees in Politics are offered by about 90 universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Through studying Politics you will also learn many skills highly valued by employers.

You will learn to:

  • Analyse complex systems and consider how they might be improved
  • Come to your own independent conclusions on major issues
  • Communicate an argument effectively both verbally and in writing

How is the course assessed?

The course is 100% examined, through short and long written answers.

What topics will I be studying?

  • British Politics topics such as the Prime Minister, Parliament, and elections
  • American Politics topics such as the President, Congress and the Supreme Court
  • Political Ideologies: namely Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism and Feminism

Will I need specialist materials or equipment?

  • Lots of helpful booklets will be provided
  • You will need to keep up with the news, whether via television, radio, apps or newspapers

A lively, topical and highly-respected course, covering British Politics, American Politics, and Political Ideas.

Careers using A-level Politics

Politics is a hugely respected, multi-vocational A-level. To find out what ex-QMC Politics students are up to now, tap the image below!

A tour of our department

What do our classrooms look like?

What else does our department teach?

360° view of a Politics ‘Parliamentary committee’ simulation!

QMC POLITICS ENRICHMENT

Our optional lunchtime Politics enrichment programme is, surely, second to none.

Political Theory Reading Group

We read, think about, and discuss hugely thought-provoking texts about people, power and politics.

Full Interview

If you liked our trailer above, you can watch the full discussion with our students here.

How we handled lockdown

Find out how we handled the spring 2020 lockdown in the QMC History, Philosophy and Politics department.

 

Any Questions?

The Head of Department, Tom Featherstone will be happy to help.

Send an Email